Portfolio Manager & Director

About the role

In this role, you will be responsible for executing investment strategies across various fund types, including quantitative fund-of-funds and DeFi yield strategies. You will manage capital allocations, oversee fund operations, and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks while working closely with a diverse team.

Success in this position requires a deep understanding of crypto quant strategies and DeFi protocols, as well as strong experience in portfolio management and fund operations. You will play a key role in monitoring risks and reporting to the Investment Committee, contributing to the overall growth and success of Animoca Brands.

Skills that matter here

• portfolio management: This role requires extensive experience in managing investment strategies and overseeing fund operations.
• DeFi protocols: A solid understanding of DeFi mechanics and strategies is crucial for capital deployment and risk management.
• smart contracts: Familiarity with Ethereum smart contracts and transaction verification is necessary for operational tasks.

Who this role suits

• A professional with 8-10 years of experience in portfolio management or fund operations.
• Someone who thrives in a dynamic, multicultural environment and values diverse perspectives.
• A proactive individual comfortable with risk identification and clear communication with stakeholders.
• An adaptable person who can navigate a build-stage environment where processes are still developing.

From the employer

Portfolio Management

• Execute the investment strategy approved by the Investment Committee across quantitative fund-of-funds, DeFi yield and real world asset strategies.
• Allocate to underlying quantitative managers and manage onboarding, capital deployment, rebalancing and withdrawals.
• Deploy capital into whitelisted DeFi protocols and manage position sizing and risk controls.

Fund Operations

• Oversee all capital movements: fiat and stablecoin on- and off-ramps, transfers to DeFi wallets and exchange accounts, and redemption payouts.
• Operate the institutional virtual asset custodian, including transaction execution, policy engine whitelists and wallet architecture.
• Approve outgoing wire and stablecoin transfer instructions for redemptions, in coordination with the fund administrator.
• Work with the fund administrator on subscriptions and redemptions, position data for NAV, and daily on-chain / off-chain reconciliation.

Regulatory & Governance

• Serve as director for the ADGM entity and act as the ADGM portfolio manager, accountable for the regulated activity of managing assets.
• Work alongside the Compliance Officer, MLRO, Risk Officer and Finance Officer on the control framework, and support the internal and external audit functions.
• Flexibility to serve as director for the VARA entity and act as the VARA Responsible Individual, accountable for the day-to-day conduct of the licensed activity and available to the regulator.

Risk & Reporting

• Monitor fund-level risk limits: protocol diversification, exposure caps by venue, leverage constraints and drawdown triggers.
• Maintain operational risk awareness across DeFi protocols (smart contract, oracle and governance risk) and exchange counterparties.
• Report to the Investment Committee on performance, risk metrics and operational matters.
• Support the annual audit with investment records, trade logs and rebalancing documentation.

Regulatory Eligibility

• UAE resident, or willing to relocate to the UAE (preferably in Abu Dhabi) on a full-time basis.
• Able to satisfy the Fit and Proper standards of both regimes, including having the relevant academic or professional qualifications, adequate virtual asset and management experience, honesty, reputation and integrity, a sound understanding of the applicable regulatory framework.
• Eligible for VARA and FSRA approval.
• Prior experience as a regulated approved person or licensed individual is a strong advantage.

Experience

• 8 - 10 years in portfolio management, trading or fund operations, including managerial or supervisory experience relevant to the Portfolio Manager function.
• Depth in one or more of: discretionary portfolio management or proprietary trading at a bank, asset manager or hedge fund, digital asset fund management (DeFi yield, quantitative trading or crypto fund-of-funds), institutional fund operations with direct involvement in trade execution, reconciliation or custodian interaction.

Technical Knowledge

• Understanding of crypto quant strategies: delta-neutral, basis, carry and perpetual futures.
• Understanding of DeFi protocols and mechanics: lending, staking, liquidity provisioning and yield strategies.
• Familiarity with engaging in Ethereum smart contracts, ERC-20 standards, and the ability to read and verify transactions on block explorers.
• Experience with fund operations including institutional digital asset custody, NAV calculation, and fund administration workflows.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Experience in ADGM and/or VARA-licensed entities.
• Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, computer science, engineering or a related field. CFA, CAIA or FRM is an advantage.
• Proactive risk identification and escalation.
• Clear, concise communication with boards, regulators and service providers.
• Comfort operating in a build-stage environment where processes are still being established.

The Perks of Joining Animoca Brands

• A Vibrant and Diverse Workplace - Immerse yourself in a dynamic, multi-cultural environment with colleagues from over 15 nationalities (and growing!). We celebrate diversity and foster a global perspective.
• Incentives in the Web3 Space - Be a part of the future and align your success with the growth of our innovative projects.
• Direct Impact and Flat Structure - Your voice matters. We operate with a flat organizational structure, ensuring your ideas are heard and implemented quickly.
• Comfortable and Creative Atmosphere - Embrace a relaxed and productive work environment with casual attire.
• Opportunities Across the Ecosystem - Expand your horizons by collaborating with various subsidiary brands within the Animoca Brands network, gaining exposure to a wide range of projects and technologies.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package - We care about your well-being. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, life, and transportation allowances.